June 9, 2022
VISITOR’S VISA
VOLUNTEER WORK WITH CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
(91 days – 3 years)
Issued to foreign nationals who will be undertaking charitable work with recognized charitable organization in South Africa, longer than 90 days.
Volunteer work should not include a period of training at the organization.
Long term visas are now processed and adjudicated within 6-8 weeks by the Department of Home Affairs in Pretoria. During the waiting period your original passport will be in your possession.
Your appointment will be set up approximately 6-8 weeks prior to your intended departure date.
E-mail: bern.consular@dirco.gov.za (S.A. Embassy Bern)
- Application Form: Please complete in BLACK – do not sign
- Passport: Must be valid 30 days after the expiry of the visa
- Photos: Two(2) passport photos (Swiss standard)
- Itinerary: A flight reservation is required. Do not make final arrangements
- Purpose of visit: A confirmation letter from the organization in South Africa, stating detailed information regarding your duties/daily work schedule, length of stay, how many volunteers are currently at place in RSA, their nationalities, accommodation, etc.
- Experience: Proof of experience relating to duties while in South Africa. Copy of your recent CV/Resumé, Swiss Diploma, attestation letters, etc.
- Registration: A copy of the registration certificate of the charitable organization
- Insurance: Copy of Swiss Health Insurance contract
- Criminal Record: “Strafregisterauszug” on criminal-records.admin.ch without apostille. Also from each country where you resided for a year or longer after the age of 18.
- Financial means: 3-month detailed recent bank statement of your account. If sponsored by family member; letter of sponsorship, a copy of his/her passport and 3-month bank statement
- Medical report: should be signed by your GP (Hausarzt)
- Radiological report: To be signed by your GP (Hausarzt) confirming that you never/are not suffering of TB. Pregnant women and children under the age of 12 are exempt
- Swiss Residence: Foreign nationals residing in Switzerland (C, B, L) – original AND copy
- Visa fee: No cash Payment will be made online if applicable – do not make any payments in advance.
- Envelope: Self-addressed-stamped envelope for the return of the passport
The supporting documents should be in English language or officially translated (except bank statements and Swiss permits)
Please print documents before attending your appointment. The Consular staff will no longer make any copies or print documents on your behalf.
The Consular Section may accept complete applications only.
